The Australian superstar, in his final event before defending the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool in less than two weeks’ time, made a bogey at the final hole on Sunday at the venue north of London, but still pocketed the massive winner’s cheque of $US4 million ($A6.0 million).
Smith’s final round, a three-under par 68, took him to 15-under-par, one shot clear of his compatriot, Marc Leishman, who fired a 66, and American Patrick Reed (65).
For Smith, it was a first triumph in any tournament since the Australian PGA last November at Royal Queensland.
“It really hasn’t been that long, but it feels like forever,” said the 29-year-old, of his eight-month win ‘drought’.
“And especially the way I’ve been playing the last couple of months. I’ve been knocking on the door of winning, and it’s nice to get one out of the way, and hopefully, it opens the…